I thought it might be nice to do a little pre-race question and answer post, so I asked for your questions, and you all delivered. Without further adeu:
Q: How did you decide to do The World Race?
A: After doing a bunch of research, I asked my mentors to pray about it, and talked it over with my parents. It sounded fun, but I knew I couldn’t go if my finances weren’t worked out. After my [very supportive] parents assured me that my financial obligations here in the States would be taken care of, I decided just to apply, and if I was accepted, then I would go. I honestly didn’t think I would get accepted though.
Q: Why the World Race/why this particular organization?
A: I’ve been considering doing something like this for a while. Actually, I was considering the Peace Corps, but they require a 24 month commitment, and that is just too much for me right now. I heard about the World Race on a few media platforms, and decided to check them out. I could tell that God is really using this program to reach people. My church did Experiencing God, and one of the main things that I remember is to find where God is moving, and join Him in His work. God is moving through the World Race, and I’m lucky enough to join Him in this.
Q: What was the application process like?
A: It started by clicking “Get Started”. Then I filled out an online application, and paid a small application fee. The next step was an online interview that asked questions specific to my answers in the application. Once they reviewed that, I had a phone interview, so they could really “see my heart” as they put it. While I was scheduling the phone interview, and going through that process, two of my mentors filled out some kind of personal reference for me (those of you considering applying, I wish I could tell you what that includes, but I have no idea). Once all of that was done, I got the phone call saying I was tentivtly accepted (more on that below). Then I paid $150 to officially accept.
Q: You’ve said you have to work on emotional availablitiy, what’s the consequences if you don’t?
A: Short answer, I won’t be able to go, at least not yet. I believe my interviewer will contact my mentors for more references at the end of the summer to see if I’m making progress. On top of that, all of us know that our training camp doubles as our last interview. There is a very real chance that they will ask us to defer for one reason or another. It’s never malicious, they ask people to wait because they’ve seen this enough to know when someone isn’t ready yet.
Q: What will you be doing?
A: I have no clue. It can, and will, change from month-to-month, and possibly even day-to-day. The way God is putting my squad together, I think we’ll be working with children a lot of the time. Some months we may play with orphans, some months we may build relationships with prostitues, some months we may love on widows. All I know is that God has set up this system of authority, and I will do whatever my leaders need me to do, because I trust them and the God who planned this.
Q: How are you feeling about it all?
A: That changes about 5 times daily. It’s such a whirlwind, and I can’t tell which way is up sometimes. I’m so excited to experience all these new cultures, but I’m scared of leaving home. Meeting my squad has already been an incredibly joyful experience (and we haven’t met in person yet) but the idea of constant communal living makes me nervous (I really like my alone time). Part of me thinks it can’t get here fast enough, and part of me isn’t ready to go. Some days it’s a mountaintop and I feel so honored to be allowed to be part of this, and some days it feels like taking up my cross to follow Jesus, and some days I feel guilty that I view it as a cross. Short answer: I have all the feels, sometimes all at once.
Q: What are you most excited about?
A: It’s such a Sunday School answer, but just seeing God orchestrate things. I know He’s going to do some amazing things, and I can’t wait to witness it, and even get to be a part of it. I am so, so blessed.
Q: What are you most afraid of?
A: That I’m not _____ enough. Not smart enough, not physically fit enough, not emotional enough, not outdoorsy enough, not out-going enough, not spiritual enough, not whatever enough. It is simultaneously a self-confidence issue, and a pride issue. I worry I’m not enough, which means I think I have to be, instead of depending on God to be enough. It’s a tough thing to over come.
Q: What do you think will be the hardest part?
A: It’s really a toss up between leaving my parents, friends, and cat, and the heat. I’m only partially kidding. It’s a given that I’m going to miss everyone and get homesick. But, I chose a route that the coldest month will probably be around 75*. Those of you who know me, know that I thrive in 60* weather, so the heat may actually be one of the hardest parts.
Q: How did you choose your route?
A: I started by deciding when I wanted to leave. I chose January because that’s when my apartment lease is up. Also, I’ll have a certificate in Child Advocacy in December, so it’s a decent stopping point with college. Then, I looked at all the countries and the type of work that is typical there, and decided between Route 2 and Route 4. Then I prayed hard about it, and God told me to look again and check my motivation. I realized I was mostly considering Route 2 because it goes to India, and tourist me wants to visit there some day. I don’t think this is the time for me to be a tourist, I think it’s the time for me to work; so I chose Route 4 leaving in January 2016. And like I said before, I can tell God is putting this group of people together, and I know this is the squad I’m supposed to be with.
Q: What do you need financially/what does the cost cover?
A: The total that I owe to Adventures in Missions (or The World Race) is $16,562. That is broken down into smaller goals of:
$3,500 by September 25, 2015
$10,000 by December 18, 2015
$13,000 by February 29, 2016
and the grand total of $16,562 by April 30, 2016
This cost covers my transportation, living arrangements, insurance, and most of my food for the entire 11 months.
Various family friends and my church have given me money directly, so I’ve already been able to purchase my tent, sleeping pad, big pack, day pack, and passport. I think all the big ticket items are out of the way now, so I’m thinking maybe another $750 should have the extras taken care of.
That’s all the questions I’ve gotten so far. If there’s something you want to know that I didn’t answer, leave your question in the comments below. I’ll answer you personally, and if there’s enough I may do a part 2.
